If you had the chance to invest $10,000 into your own retail business or start up your own blog, which would you choose? Without a doubt I would choose blogging, but for the sake of argument, let’s run a few scenarios on why investing in a blog is not only going to cost you a lot less money, but you will also be investing in yourself at the same time.
The keys to successful blogging are simple, yet time consuming… however these steps are necessary to build a long term business that continues to grow your brand, following and bottom line every day.
Investing in Yourself
Right off the bat we can start talking about branding and how blogging can really get your name out there. When you start writing quality content that people like and share with others, your name will start to get noticed.
If you opened a retail location of your own and maybe even got into a brand name franchise, you aren’t building up your name… you are building someone else’s brand. Should the business succeed or fail, it’s likely no one will ever know or remember your name, yet it’s the complete opposite in the world of blogging.
Start Up Costs are Insane
I was originally going to pose the question at the beginning of this post with $1,000, but decided to move it to $10,000 since you really can’t start a retail business of your own for anywhere near $1,000. Now imagine what you could do with your blog if you had $10,000 to play with.
In all honestly, that’s already $9,900 too much… anyone can start a blog with a $10 domain name and a $10 a month hosting package. A retail store and location will cost you a couple thousand in rent, another few thousand for a staff, then don’t even think about all of the merchandise and services you would need to sell just to break even each month!
Is It a Buyers Market?
Right now the economy is in the dump. If you drive down any street you are likely to see a bunch of retail locations now out of business. On the internet people are always buying. An excellent site to browse around and see what people are buying and how much people are getting for their web sites is Flippa.com.
It’s completely free to browse through the site and if you are interested in selling your site, it’s a great place to start. You might not have the best blog around, but there is a much better chance you will sell your blog for a larger profit and much faster, than if you were to try and sell your local retail store or location.
In my new book “Blogging Tips” I cover all of these topics and more. It’s all about getting into a business mentality while also being able to think of a real business model in a new fast paced world. No longer do you need to get funding and loans to start a business that has a 90% failure rate. Instead you should be looking at the opportunities that lie within the world of blogging and internet marketing.
About Zac Johnson
Twitter: prabhatrayal
says:
hello zac
if i were you i too would choose blogging because i know i can make it profitable deal with blogging. blogging is the best way to make your money double, triple
prabhat recently posted..Temple Run Vs Subway Surfers: Which One is Better Game?
I agree with this 100%. zeke54wp What played a part in your final position? Who else respectfully shares your sentiment in relation to this matter? Patiently awaiting a quick reply.
Twitter: johnsmith1321
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I will be fairly impressed using your content. I believe it’s which means that enjoyable because of your different guidelines and interesting wording and terminology. We appreciate your authoring helpful subject matter
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lap mang cmc recently posted..L?p M?ng CMC Tháng 1/2013 Khuy?n Mãi Không Gi?i H?n
You’ve come out and said it exactly how it is, Zac.
The economy isn’t in a brilliant state at all but with the rise in online blogging platforms, you’re right – a $10 domain and hosting account could be all you need to start up.
I can’t wrap my head around anyone who is willing to fork out $10k in order to start a retail business in this current economical climate. I say build your brand online – for a significantly lower risk – and then, judging on the reception you gain, consider your other options moving forward.
I wish more businesses would realize that the ROI of blogging is HUGE.
(dofollow)
Eric recently posted..Empieza tu negocio HOY
73+ pages of blogging tips, just amazing! Blogging if implemented properly cann fetch you lots. Leading Indian Tech blogger Amit Agarwal is a full time blogger and he is making millions by just blogging.
Twitter: IPraves
says:
Blogging is indeed one of the best ways to promote your website. Another important factor is promoting the website link yourself on the internet.
This blog speaks out truth about making money online and I am so grateful that it has given me important guides on how to do it. Making money is never easy. However, if you stick on quality materials and quality output plus quality attitude nothing is impossible.
Thanks to the blogger!
shan recently posted..Essential Steps for Starting an E-Newsletter
Twitter: lukeroxas
says:
Honestly, I think blogging shouldn’t be abused as a business marketing platform. It should be a means of sharing your ideas and thoughts about your expertise. Unfortunately, some people blog for the sake of having a blog and use it to leverage for their business.
let’s go back to the basics.
Jessica Francisco recently posted..St. Francis Square’s Kwarta or Groceries 50,000 Linggo-linggo Raffle Promo Part 2
“Blogging for me has been a path to not only to self expression but self fulfillment that has become a journey of self discovery. I have found what works for me and what doesn’t. Offcource its a very good investment loads of returns through it, you have provided a good post, thanks for sharing.
“
Offcource, Blogging is a very good investment. There are ample of benefits through it. Its not only good investment,it makes ablogger a champion researcher, his/her creativity increases and offcource good income. Blogging has really helped me out in many ways.
Twitter: JimZboran
says:
Great comparison, Zac. Blogging is definitely a no-brainer when it comes to starting a business… and even if someone were to choose start up a retail store, it would be a no-brainer to follow up that huge investment with a blog as a part of their marketing mix to promote their new store.
Thanks for the insights!
Jim Zboran recently posted..Start a Website for Small Business Marketing that Succeeds
Twitter: JimZboran
says:
Great comparison, Zac. Blogging is definitely a no-brainer… and even if someone were to start up a retail store, it would be a no-brainer to follow up that huge investment with a blog as a part of their marketing mix to promote their new store. Thanks for the insights.
Jim Zboran recently posted..Start a Website for Small Business Marketing that Succeeds
Almost Ok. Keep Going!
Mathew Stephen recently posted..5 Christmas Effects For Your Blogger Blog
Obviously Blogging is a great investment & a great source of income, knowledge & many things for your personal and business life, Business blogging is a great way to market your company on the internet, especially a small business.
Peter recently posted..Hello world!
i think i have to start blogging, i run a little small business as wedding photographer, so i think its important to blogg. but i am not realy a writer :( i am a fotographer… thats my problem :))
Gabriel Malgo recently posted..Hochzeit Fotograf
Twitter: australia_daily
says:
Thanks for this post.Now i understood Why Blogging is a Great Investment in Yourself and for Business.Thanks for sharing this with us.
Hi,
This is nice post. Blogging is a great investment for your personal and business life. Blogging is the best way for increasing your business this post is really helpful for me.
Thanks for the sharing
Emulationsofttech has been playing an effective role in meeting various software Outsourcing needs by providing a gamut of services ranging from creative design to independent third party verification and validation services. We were able to diversify our service offerings which started with software development and maintenance and encompassed all other value added services associated with this domain of software services.
Twitter: prosperouscoach
says:
You are not far from the truth when it comes to how much it costs to start a retail store. I had two stores for 10 years. I put $50K into the start up of store one and $25K into store 2. I did really well for 10 years but I could see the writing on the wall. I started my coaching business with $10k but the ROI is no comparison – so much better with a service business or as you point out, a blog.
Suzanne recently posted..39 Financial Advisor Marketing Ideas That Rock
You’re right, Zach. Not only is blogging a safer investment than a business, in my opinion it’s easier as well. Blogging gives you the right to be your own boss, to do and write about whatever interests you, and have the satisfaction of knowing others who are in your niche can hear and share your thoughts and ideas.
Luis recently posted..Benefits of WordPress as CMS
Hi zac,
Quite a different and innovative way to explain your point. Such articles are defiantly get noticed by the people who come in search of something else also..
Impressed as well as inspired..!!!
Thanks..
Sneha recently posted..5 Free ASP Shopping Cart Software
Twitter: zaccshegzy
says:
Hi Sneha, when I first saw your comment, I thought you are refarring to me because my name starts with Zac too, lol.
ZaccshegzyBlog recently posted..Top Five Healthiest Cities in America
You’re absolutely right, although I would have my doubts if even 10K is enough for a retail business. There’s a good chance of failing on the net too, but the cost allows for mistakes and learning-by-doing – “offline” chances are way more limited.
Blogging is not only the good investment but a wonderful source of income but we have to be consistant in it. Initially we cant expect income through it but there are many things to learn from it & gradually once we get into the groove we will love it. Good post, thanks for sharing.
Jack recently posted..Hello world!
Twitter: mss_inc_usa
says:
Business blogging is a great way to market your company on the internet, especially a small business. I run a niche blog for our business and have seen great results from starting it. I started blogging consistently about 6 months ago. Now, I have almost 100 blog subscribers, many pages that rank on the first page of Google and an increase in leads. Blogging is really important in marketing your company successfully on the internet.
Alan recently posted..Primavera P6 Release 8.2 : Progress Line on the Gantt Chart
Twitter: Tech_Gaggle
says:
Totally agree..Blogging is a great investment only when you have a real passion for it.
Niraj recently posted..Goobit Amazing App From Everloop For Kids
It’s not only blogging, anything in our world) Cos when you don’t have passion you are just grey and obvious.
J. Draw recently posted..Why LET’S DRAW?
Twitter: wpoupon
says:
Great post. The advantages of blogging are certainly more favorable than the retail analogy that you use. Especially for the person that is new to business in general. Most of (if not all) the basic business principles apply to digital online businesses as they do with brick and mortar businesses WITHOUT the huge risk and expenses. I had a friend here not long ago that told me he wanted to start a restaurant. He has no experience and got all excited after watching Hell’s Kitchen.
This is the same friend who has told me year after year that he has no time to maintain a website or blog. It’s ridiculous for him to think that he can start a restaurant from scratch with no experience in business (or cooking for that matter) when he has several websites that could be earning yet he refuses to put in the time. I think he must have been dropped on his head as a child. Even if you run a brick and mortar business, you are going to need a website and you are going to need to know how to market online. Having an active web based platform is simply a very important and necessary way to compete these days.
Taking the time to learn about blogging and Internet marketing is an essential business investment.
Michael recently posted..Comment on Understading Your Credit Score by Jamie
I agree with you. I think blogging is best way to update my skills and make passive income. Thanks for this post
Lam Nguyen recently posted..Azon Ninja Pre-launch Review
Twitter: RaviBhushanSin4
says:
Blogging is the best way to buy the way of life and i popularity with it. It is the only place on the Web which can pay for many even if we provide your very best for just a few a few a few several weeks. But, mainly the attempt problems here.
Blogs are the way to express your opinion to people across the way. It is one of the ways to add wings to your imagination and creativity.
Twitter: discoverig
says:
Great article Zac –
Blogging as a business can be one of the greatest ways to get an early feel for a market or niche before maybe taking the plunge deeper. We’ll have to check out your book here soon!
Discover Infographics recently posted..Annual Vehicle Theft Report
Twitter: vijaychauhan007
says:
Blogging not only changes the way you think, but it also changes the way you write and interact with people. Blogging surely gives lot more exposure than we really think. Having a retail store will be exciting for a few days but then, we just get bored of the same schedule. but in blogging, we learn something new each and every day. We meet many people on forums, fb groups and on our own blogs. That gives a lot of happiness and satisfaction along with the experience. :)
Prithvi recently posted..Some tips before writing first blog post
Twitter: HealthTipWealth
says:
There is no doubt about it. Blogging is a great investment for your personal and business life. By the way, all the best in your book launch Zac. I know it woud be a success.
Steven Jude recently posted..The SEO Techniques Everyone Should Know + How To Feel Refreshed All Day and Enjoy Quality Family Time In The Evening!
Twitter: Ajayudayagiri
says:
Blogging is the best way to invest in the life and i agree with it. It is the only field on the Web which can pay for years even if we work hard for just months. But, mainly the hard work matters here.
Ajay recently posted..Update Samsung Galaxy Mini S5570 To Android Jelly Bean 4.1.1 Via CM10 Firmware
Twitter: basicpctips
says:
Hello Zac Johnson,
I hope you are in great health
Yeah you are right why we should blog. If I have $1000 and I ‘ve two choices whether to invest in business or a blog I also choose blog. We know that blog isn’t an easy task even though i will choose blogging because in business you will need more investment and failure rate of business is high.
So Zac Johnson do u agree with me? Do reply
And thanks for sharing mate :)
I enjoyed your article :)
Praveen Soni recently posted..Google’s Gift For SMS Freaks (Send Free SMS from GMail)
Twitter: jonnalarajkumar
says:
Hi,
A good kick start idea for any newbie. Definitely blogging is a great investment into ourselves and also business. You start with nothing and if you apply the right ways to your work and name you get to the heights one can only fathom. :)
Its definitely a great note you have written. It needs a darn attention.:)
Thanks for share.:)
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Twitter: stephenkarsch
says:
“f you had the chance to invest $10,000 into your own retail business or start up your own blog, which would you choose? Without a doubt I would choose blogging” – O REALLY? :D
Twitter: bihar
says:
I think blogging business is a great investment. Although just like any other business, lots of time and effort is required but then you are doing this business from the comfort of your own home. I say 1000 USD is more than enough. With consistent good content, bit of good plugins, a theme and other essentials, blogging can really take off.
Shalu Sharma recently posted..Bhang, India’s holy marijuana
Twitter: MauriceWLindsay
says:
Great Article Zac,
You hit the nail on the head with this one. Blogging is the most cost effective way to go about branding yourself as an authority in any niche. All small businesses and entrepreneurs should definiteness have a blog. Content Marketing is the new SEO in my opinion and blogging is the easiest way to generate traffic to your website.
If a small business took their marketing budget and instead invested it a blog, and marketing the blog…it would do wonders for their business (especially locally).
Maurice Lindsay recently posted..5 Habits You Must Let Go To Be Happy
Thanks very much for bringing up this issue, blogging is the way to go, when talking of selfinvestment, and a newbie can give it a try with blogger to save money, thanks.
Those are some solid points. I think it’s funny when people complain about startup costs for blogs and websites. Seriously, what business can you start for about the price of large pizza? Plus, you don’t have to sign any lease contracts. It’s easier now to start a business than it ever has been.
Taylor recently posted..Orange County real estate
Twitter: MALifeinsurance
says:
I would definitely choose a blog. The freedom both financially and time wise that a blog has as it benefits far outweighs a retail store any day.
LC recently posted..The Mountain
In current world, blogging is one of the greatest platform to express yourself. It is a new open door to connect with the whole world. Whatever business you do, it is not so easy to communicate with other people. But by blogging you can touch the client’s door bell easily. From monetary expect, this platform is growing massively. In the near future blogging is going to play a significant role in the economical arena for sure.
Ava Grace recently posted..Redx VPS
Blogging is the ultimate game changer for many people around the world. Many people have build successful businesses just by starting with a blog. So, it’s always a great option to start a blog than investing in real estate. As blogging means investing in yourself and a better future with a successful business.
Amit Chahar recently posted..8 YouTube SEO Tips To Rank Higher in Search Results
Twitter: Elena__Anne
says:
Agreed. Blogging and other forms of online entrepreneurship have helped to level the playing field in terms of who is able to start a business. Thanks! :)
Every blog post can generate long-term revenue. Unlike a print ad that’s run for a few months and then discontinued, blogs are indexed by search engines long into the future, assisting new client development months and even years after the original post. Think of every blog post as the start of a cash flow that will continue for the lifetime of the site. Though the return will not show up in dollars right away, it will show up in increased traffic. The more traffic you receive, the higher number of likely conversions from those who read your blog to those who become customers.
Sabrina recently posted..Welcome to Executive Landscape Designs
Twitter: bbrian017
says:
Hi Zac Johnson, for me it’s obvious blogging is a great way to gain new business online. I’ve been getting all my customers via blogging, guest blogging as well. It’s such a great way to get your name out there and to build your online brand. I see you have been exploring this method like crazy as I see you posting articles all over the internet. Keep up the great work buddy someday you going to be a big blogger like the rest of them!
bbrian017 recently posted..Blogging Tips To Keep Your Motor Running
Twitter: akhilabraham03
says:
That’s really a nice post and i like the way you write .Your article looking simple and easily understandable ..I like this post a lot and it is very helpful to me also…
At last thanks for a great post..
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I’m hoping the same high-grade website post from you in the future too. Actually your creative writing skills has inspired me to get my own website going now. Actually blogging is spreading its wings and growing fast. Your write up is a great example.